Illinois Officials Celebrate National Read Across America Day with Book Donation and Volunteer Readers

Secretary of State Giannoulias partners with Illinois Literacy Foundation and YMCA to promote literacy and reading

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In recognition of National Read Across America Day, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced a coordinated literacy initiative that distributed thousands of children's books and brought volunteer readers into YMCA sites across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, reinforcing the importance of reading as a shared, lifelong activity.

Why it matters

The event aimed to highlight the importance of early exposure to books, storytelling, and conversation in laying the groundwork for reading proficiency and long-term academic success. The partnership between the Secretary of State's Office, the Illinois Literacy Foundation, and the YMCA demonstrates a collaborative effort to promote literacy and provide access to books for underserved communities.

The details

The Illinois Literacy Foundation, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, hosted a Day of Service on March 2, 2026, as part of National Read Across America Day. The effort was supported by the Secretary of State's Office and the Illinois State Library, with over 2,000 books being distributed to children and families across 21 YMCA sites, five Metropolitan Family Services sites, and one Friends of the Children site. Volunteer readers, many of them seniors and longtime YMCA volunteers, read age-appropriate books to children enrolled in YMCA programs.

  • The Day of Service took place on March 2, 2026.
  • National Read Across America Day was launched in 1988 by the National Education Association.
  • March is recognized as National Reading Month.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian.

Illinois Literacy Foundation

A non-profit organization that partnered with the YMCA to host the Day of Service.

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

A community organization that hosted the volunteer reading sessions and distributed books to children and families.

Danette Connors

Chief Learning Officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Mo Khan

Board Chair of the Illinois Literacy Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“Reading together is one of the most meaningful ways adults can support a child's development. When a caregiver or trusted adult reads with a child, it conveys safety, care, and connection – and it builds vocabulary, curiosity and confidence that carry into the classroom and beyond. As State Librarian, I'm proud to partner with the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the YMCA to celebrate reading not just on one day, but as a year-round priority.”

— Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian (riverbender.com)

“Literacy is the foundation of a child's lifelong learning, confidence, and opportunity. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, our early learning and childhood development programs are designed to build strong language and literacy skills from the very beginning, helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are deeply grateful to the Illinois Literacy Foundation for its leadership and commitment to advancing literacy across Illinois, and to the Secretary of State's Office and the Illinois State Library for their generous donation of 2,000 new books to YMCA children and families. Partnerships like these help ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to learn, imagine, and thrive.”

— Danette Connors, Chief Learning Officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (riverbender.com)

“Literacy starts with something simple: a book inside the home. The data is clear – even one book can nearly double the odds that a child is on track. Today, more than 2,000 students received books. That's real impact and something the Illinois Literacy Foundation is extremely proud to be a part of.”

— Mo Khan, Board Chair of the Illinois Literacy Foundation (riverbender.com)

What’s next

Organizers hope the event will inspire additional literacy-focused partnerships and volunteer opportunities in the future, with plans to explore similar efforts during National Literacy Month in September.

The takeaway

The partnership between the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Literacy Foundation, and the YMCA demonstrates a collaborative effort to promote literacy and provide access to books for underserved communities, underscoring the importance of early exposure to reading and storytelling in supporting a child's academic and personal development.